Texas Education Agency
Coverage of Texas Education Agency in the Nexus archive.
- Houston ISD’s special education changes violate student rights, TEA says in letter
Houston ISD’s special education changes are claimed to violate student rights by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) in a letter. The district is also under a federal civil rights investigation regarding its planned changes to special education services.
- Texas Quietly Began Work on Divisive History Curriculum a Year Ago
Texas State Board of Education will vote on new social studies standards emphasizing pro-American views and Christian values, with a $67 million contract signed a year ago by Education Commissioner Mike Morath with MGT Impact Solutions. The contract and standards, criticized for lacking transparency and diversity, align with the controversial Bluebonnet reading program and face opposition from historians and board members.
- 3 Austin ISD middle schools struggling after release of STAAR test results
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) released spring 2026 STAAR test results for third through eighth graders, revealing a shift in Texas classrooms, including a surge in advanced math and a jump in middle school reading. Three Austin ISD middle schools are struggling following the release of these results.
- Texas’ largest school district sees test scores soar after state takeover despite racism claims
Texas' largest school district, Houston Independent School District (HISD), saw significant improvements in test scores after a state takeover in 2023. Data shows increased reading and math performance in elementary and middle schools, along with narrowed achievement gaps in high schools. Critics argue the intervention was racially discriminatory, while officials attribute the gains to reforms like a centralized curriculum and specialized classes.
- Texas State Takeover of Local School Districts Expands, Raising Concerns
Texas has expanded state takeovers of local school districts, with the Texas Education Agency appointing leaders linked to Mike Miles, who implemented controversial reforms in Houston ISD. These reforms, which included scripted lessons, school closures, and staff reductions, improved test scores but sparked public protests. New districts like Austin, Beaumont, and Fort Worth now face similar policies under state-appointed officials with ties to Miles and education commissioner Mike Morath.
- Austin ISD’s bid to avoid state takeover rejected by Texas Education Agency
The Texas Education Agency rejected Austin ISD’s attempt to avoid a state takeover. The article references Webb Middle School in Austin on January 5, 2026.